Petri-net based integer programs for synthesizing optimal material-transfer procedures in pipeline networks

Transferring materials through the pipeline network is a basic operation in almost every batch chemical plant. Traditionally, the tasks for conjecturing the needed operation steps are carried out manually on an ad hoc basis. This approach is often time-consuming for industrial processes and, furthermore, the resulting recipe may be error-prone. The aim of this paper is thus to develop a systematic strategy to generate the optimal operating procedures with Petri-net based integer programs. Specifically, the shortest material-transfer routes are selected on the basis of Petri-net representation of the path structure in pipeline network. The equipment models are then incorporated into this path model to create a complete system model. An integer program can therefore be constructed accordingly to identify the detailed operation steps. Finally, a realistic example is presented at the end of this paper to demonstrate the effectiveness and correctness of the proposed approach.